Select the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Job
Any electrical contractor you hire should be technically proficient, reputable and financially stable, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of your business.
- Technically proficient >> more
- Reputable and financially stable >> more
- Understands your needs >> more
Check out NECA’s Questions for Your Electrical Contractor to see what you should know about your electrical contractor’s business before you hire him.
There are also ways electrical contractors can help building owners and managers achieve their green building goals, like achieving LEED certification, improving energy efficiency, and integrating alternative power sources.
Technical Proficiency
On the technical side, the two most important considerations for any electrical installation are electrical safety and electrical system reliability. The electricians who directly perform the work and the contractors who employ them should follow recognized standards of safety and quality.
Codes, Licenses and Reliability
Working with a licensed electrical contractor who follows both the National Electrical Code and the applicable National Electrical Installation Standards ensures that any electrical work performed will be done safely and function according to the client's specifications.
The National Electrical Code™ is the nationally recognized electrical safety standard and has been adopted by the wide majority of building inspection authorities at state and local levels. Your contractor should specify that all work will be done in accordance with the most current NEC.
Your electrical contractor and the contractor’s employees should be licensed in the jurisdiction where your project is located. This means that the contractor fully understands and complies with the NEC and that the work will be inspected under the standard, resulting in a safe installation.
Reliability means that you can be sure that the installed electrical systems continue to perform the way they were designed over a long period of time. Make sure the people who install your electrical work are adequately trained to ensure safety and reliability.
Warranty and Insurance
Licensed electrical contractors should be able to provide proof of their insurance and a warranty for the work performed. Insist on a written estimate and a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate. The contractor should guarantee that the work will be installed to meet code, and that he will correct any work that does not meet applicable standards.
Reputable and Financial Stable
Your electrical contractor should be financially stable and have a good reputation with customers, suppliers, fellow contractors and employees. Make sure you talk to customers who have done business with the contractor, preferably ones who have work done that is similar to your project. A contractor should provide you with references.
Understands Your Needs
The best fit is someone who understands your business needs. Your local NECA chapter can help find a qualified electrical contractor with the right experience. Ask the chapter manager to recommend a NECA member that knows your industry.
A good flow of information between the customer and the electrical contractors is critical to keep a construction job on schedule and budget. A contractor is a business owner first and foremost, capable of managing the materials and labor in order the keep the project on schedule.
Questions to Ask Your Electrical Contractor
- Does the contractor guarantee that the work will meet all applicable building codes?
- Will the contractor correct work that does not meet applicable standards?
- Insist on a written estimate.
- Make sure that the proposal or contract specifies that the work to be performed will comply with the National Electrical Code and applicable National Electrical Installation Standards.
- Verify the contractor’s warranty and insurance, and get a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate and warranty in writing.
To help consumers and businesses find qualified electrical contractors anywhere in the United States, NECA has developed NECA Connection, an online searchable database of contractors that provide safe, reliable installations.